January 17, 2025—The Miller Art Museum has announced an exciting step in its continued journey toward growth and transformation: a temporary pivot for its satellite education facility, M3, as the organization focuses on facility planning and organizational development. This decision aligns with the museum’s strategic vision to enhance its ability to serve the community and deliver dynamic exhibitions while honoring its commitment to fostering artistic engagement and education.

This strategic pause for M3 comes on the heels of the organization finalizing an exit agreement with the County of Door at the end of August, a move that reflects the natural progression of the outlined 5-year exit from its 50-year home in the Sturgeon Bay Branch of the Door County Library. Over the past several years, M3 has been a valuable resource for creative exploration and community programming, bringing together artists, educators, and students in meaningful ways. While operations at M3 will pause, the vision for its future is bigger and brighter than ever, as the art museum plans to incorporate an even greater educational presence within its envisioned new facility.

“We are incredibly proud of what M3 has represented for the community—an accessible and vibrant space for education, exploration, and collaboration,” said Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, executive director of the Miller Art Museum. “This decision, while reflective of careful planning, is an exciting step toward ensuring that the programs and opportunities offered at M3 are not only preserved but elevated in the new facility we are building toward.”

The temporary pause for M3 reflects the museum’s dedication to its mission and its efforts to create a new, state-of-the-art space where arts education and community engagement can thrive. The Miller Art Museum is committed to keeping the community informed and engaged as plans unfold, and the organization looks forward to sharing updates as available moving forward.

As part of its dedication to transparency and community engagement, the museum is launching a new monthly program, Dialogue with the Director, beginning in February 2025. This program will offer an open forum for museum supporters and the public to engage directly with the museum Executive Director Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead about the museum’s growth, programming, and plans for the future, as updates unfold. The initiative reflects the museum’s commitment to its constituents and ensuring the community remains at the heart of its mission to create connections with opportunities to explore, celebrate, and advance the visual arts.

“As we take this step, we want our community to know this is a positive move toward creating a bigger and better future for the visual arts in Door County,” added Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead. “We’re excited about the possibilities ahead and grateful for the community’s continued support as we work together to realize this vision.”

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